Nearly 70 years old, DeSoto Bridge in Manatee County slated for replacement in new plans

Jesse Mendoza, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
·2 min read
Bradenton's DeSoto Bridge was built in 1957. It crosses the Manatee River to Palmetto.
Bradenton's DeSoto Bridge was built in 1957. It crosses the Manatee River to Palmetto.

The Florida Department of Transportation has unveiled final details to replace the DeSoto Bridge across the Manatee River.

FDOT officials met with members of the community on Tuesday evening to present plans for the replacement of the aging 1.3-mile DeSoto Bridge, which was built in 1957. The department's preferred option features four 12-foot travel lanes with a concrete barrier separating northbound and southbound lanes. It also includes 10-foot inside shoulders and 12-foot outside shoulders to give vehicles space to pull over if necessary, and a 12-foot shared-use path for cyclists and pedestrians.

A rendering of the Florida Department of Transportation's preferred option to replace the DeSoto Bridge, which connects Bradenton and Palmetto across the Manatee River, in Manatee County.
A rendering of the Florida Department of Transportation's preferred option to replace the DeSoto Bridge, which connects Bradenton and Palmetto across the Manatee River, in Manatee County.

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The roadway north of the bridge would include two 12-foot travel lanes in each direction and a 12-foot shared-use path on both sides of the road. The southbound section includes a westbound turn lane, and the northbound section includes one eastbound and one westbound turn lane.

The existing four-lane bridge will remain in operation during the construction of the new bridge, which will be built immediately to the east of the current structure. Once the eastern half of the new bridge is completed, the existing bridge will be demolished to make space for the construction of the western half of the new bridge.

Traffic can cross the river by traveling on the first half of the new bridge during that time.

The final design of the project is estimated to cost $6.55 million, the right-of-way is estimated to cost $800,000. Construction costs are estimated at $140 million and expected to take place in 2027, with an additional $17.5 million estimated for construction, engineering and inspection.

The overall project is expected to cost $172.8 million.

Residents who would like to submit feedback to FDOT can email Project Manager Richard Combs at Richard.Combs@dot.state.fl.us, call 836-698-3770, or visit www.swflroads.com/project/442630-1.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Project to replace the DeSoto Bridge in Manatee County keeps rolling